The latest Madrid Derby served as a humbling experience for the La Liga leaders Real Madrid as they were embarrassed in a 4-0 loss to Atletico. While on the surface their lead atop the La Liga table was reduced to a single point, the further repercussions of that game can only be speculated on at this point.
Atletico dominated the derby in every aspect and by the time the final whistle blew, the level of despair had peaked for manager Carlo Ancelotti and his players. Ancelotti conceded after the game that his club, “clearly have to change this attitude” and while effort might have been part of the problem, it is clear some of the blame also laid in the manager’s decision to stick with the 4-3-3 format despite the fact that a change clearly should have been made. That system hindered the team’s efforts and really restricted what they were able to do in several different ways and that is why Real Madrid would be better off ditching the 4-3-3 format for big games.
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Three Forwards Doesn’t Work
The decision to play three forwards versus Atletico wasn’t something that Ancelotti would admit hurt his team in the 4-0 drubbing but it was clear from the perspective of an outsider that it contributed to their problems. Real Madrid looked lost at times without the ball and the Atletico attack was able to carve them up through the midfield and on the back line. What makes using three forwards virtually indefensible is that the team didn’t score a goal (for the first time this season) and didn’t even register a single shot. It’s an offensive strategy that’s clearly not working.
Iker Casillas certainly didn’t play like an elite goaltender but it would be impossible to blame him for such a lopsided result in a crucial game for both sides. It also doesn’t make sense to blame the outcome on talent since Real is the substantially better team on paper. That lends credit to the theory the 4-3-3 format really hurt their chances.
4-4-2 Strengthened Their Presence In The Midfield
There has been a lot of debate over the past couple of weeks about what the perfect system would be for Real Madrid and since they have gotten the results they need against lesser teams in the 4-3-3 it doesn’t make sense to completely changer their tactics for every game unless they wanted to really become more comfortable using something different. The 4-4-2 is the most obvious system that critics have argued Ancelotti should consider – especially considering the balance it would bring in the midfield. An injury to James Rodriguez has already proved a substantial blow but Marcelo has played at an elite level – particularly in terms of ball distribution. Meanwhile, Pepe and Luka Modric can also push the pace. Dropping back either Benzema or Bale as an attacking midfielder on the flank while leaving the other up front with Ronaldo might be the best strategy.
Forwards Lack Support In The 4-4-3
Ancelotti responded to the question of whether the 4-3-3 had a negative impact since the club lacked balance against Atletico and he responded by saying that, “With three attackers, we won Champions League and World Club Cup. So, that question makes no sense”.
The truth is that the countless number of world-class players on Ancelotti’s roster have played a much bigger role in the success of the team than any format and while they have three world class forwards in Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema up front, all three could still thrive with a switch to a different tactical set up. Teams like Atletico have been able to focus their attention on the Madrid forwards and leave only one defensive midfielder to shut down the heart of the attack in the center. The lack of support in the midfield area has allowed top opponents to really limit Real Madrid’s push forward with the ball and thrive on the counterattack.
Ancellotti’s Stubborn Ways
Ancelotti appears to be somewhat stubborn when it comes to the team’s current system, so it’s unreasonable to expect him to switch things up. However, all things considered, the reality is that Real Madrid would be better off ditching the 4-3-3 for big games and relying on a more balanced structure such as the 4-4-2 in order to have a stronger presence in the midfield and avoid the type of loss they suffered to Atletico against teams that have the talent and knowledge to break their 4-3-3.
